Your tax forms sell for $20 on the dark web
This title could be clearer and more informative.Try out Clickbait Shieldfor free (5 uses left this month).
Tax season is peak season for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF), where criminals buy stolen PII on dark web forums to file fake tax returns. Malwarebytes researchers found bulk packages of 100 complete tax forms selling for $2,000 ($20 each), with older records going for under $4. The underground ecosystem includes Initial Access Brokers selling access to compromised accounting firms, forgery services like 'Fakelab' producing fake W-2s for $20-$40, and tutorial hubs detailing cashout schemes. To protect yourself: file taxes early, guard your SSN, watch for phishing, use strong passwords, monitor credit reports, and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN.
Table of contents
What is Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF)?How is it even possible?The black market of PIIAccess for saleSee if your personal data has been exposed.Additional data for saleTutorials and guidanceHow to stay safeSort: